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The UK automotive industry’s production carbon footprint fell by -11.2% in 2021 compared with the previous year to reach its lowest level since records began, according to new research released today from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The report also pulls together data from where its manufacturing members are in meeting the so-called Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)* Net-Zero Standard, targeting net-zero manufacturing facilities by 2030, and across the company’s entire supply chain by 2039. The question haunting the industry and people inhabiting Planet Earth as the death dealing effects of Global Warming continue unabated is whether this is too little, too late?
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In the UK, average vehicle CO2 emissions were -11.2% less than their 2020 equivalents.1 Given the average car on UK’s roads is now nine years old, the carbon saving from production is the equivalent of taking 225,000 cars off the road and replacing them with the latest models. Since 1999, the industry has cut its CO2 emissions by 1.5 million tons or 70.6%, equivalent to taking almost 900,000 cars off the road.
“The report shows the industry delivering on its commitments, with dramatic reductions in both the energy used to make vehicles, and the emissions they release when on the road. The automotive sector is central to the UK’s carbon reduction ambitions and, with government support to improve UK competitiveness, we can ensure that transition continues to create well-paid, clean-tech jobs while generating economic prosperity and growth in all regions of the UK ,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.
The report has the industry investing in people: apprenticeship positions increased by 67%, in part due to the cessation of pandemic restrictions, but were also a full 16% higher than pre-pandemic levels as the sector attempted to develop capacity for the future. Moreover, signatories remain committed to employee development, despite the overall economic challenges faced by businesses. In 2021, the number of training days per employee increased by 5.6% year on year, to 1.7 days per employee.
The sector’s economic contribution with UK automotive-related manufacturing sales estimated to have recovered by 5% in 2021 to £67.1 billion, while automotive-related GVA is estimated at £14.1 billion, with 182,000 people directly employed in manufacturing roles.
* Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is the global body enabling businesses to set emissions reduction targets in line with climate science. Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Net-Zero Standard, targeting net-zero manufacturing facilities by 2030, and across the company’s entire supply chain by 2039.
1 SMMT calculations based on the average CO2 emission of the average age car (8.6 years as of end of 2021) vs. average emissions of a car in 2021
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Climate Change: UK Automotive CO2 Output Falls in 2021
Click to Enlarge.
The UK automotive industry’s production carbon footprint fell by -11.2% in 2021 compared with the previous year to reach its lowest level since records began, according to new research released today from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The report also pulls together data from where its manufacturing members are in meeting the so-called Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)* Net-Zero Standard, targeting net-zero manufacturing facilities by 2030, and across the company’s entire supply chain by 2039. The question haunting the industry and people inhabiting Planet Earth as the death dealing effects of Global Warming continue unabated is whether this is too little, too late?
Click to Enlarge.
In the UK, average vehicle CO2 emissions were -11.2% less than their 2020 equivalents.1 Given the average car on UK’s roads is now nine years old, the carbon saving from production is the equivalent of taking 225,000 cars off the road and replacing them with the latest models. Since 1999, the industry has cut its CO2 emissions by 1.5 million tons or 70.6%, equivalent to taking almost 900,000 cars off the road.
“The report shows the industry delivering on its commitments, with dramatic reductions in both the energy used to make vehicles, and the emissions they release when on the road. The automotive sector is central to the UK’s carbon reduction ambitions and, with government support to improve UK competitiveness, we can ensure that transition continues to create well-paid, clean-tech jobs while generating economic prosperity and growth in all regions of the UK ,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.
The report has the industry investing in people: apprenticeship positions increased by 67%, in part due to the cessation of pandemic restrictions, but were also a full 16% higher than pre-pandemic levels as the sector attempted to develop capacity for the future. Moreover, signatories remain committed to employee development, despite the overall economic challenges faced by businesses. In 2021, the number of training days per employee increased by 5.6% year on year, to 1.7 days per employee.
The sector’s economic contribution with UK automotive-related manufacturing sales estimated to have recovered by 5% in 2021 to £67.1 billion, while automotive-related GVA is estimated at £14.1 billion, with 182,000 people directly employed in manufacturing roles.
* Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is the global body enabling businesses to set emissions reduction targets in line with climate science. Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Net-Zero Standard, targeting net-zero manufacturing facilities by 2030, and across the company’s entire supply chain by 2039.
1 SMMT calculations based on the average CO2 emission of the average age car (8.6 years as of end of 2021) vs. average emissions of a car in 2021
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